i read your posting with much interest since i am scheduled next tuesday for the same 2 procedures. i had had a plate installed during an anterior acdf in November 2012. now the doc says it has come dislodged and is hanging loose on only 2 screws. he and every other doctor we've talked to think this is a dangerous situation . he wants to remove the plate anteriorly and install the rods posteriorly.

It took me a long time to recover from the first procedure in Nov. and i still cannot use my right arm (diagnosed as C 5 palsy). i'm very concerned that recovery from the upcoming operation will be even harder or that i will never fully recover. My recovery is further complicated by my Parkinson's disease.

I'm also interested in hearing from others who have undergone similar procedures

Linda Im sorry you have to go through all this. I was scared too! BUT I can tell you straight out of surgery I could swallow better than before. Pain is pretty intense though. I think time will tell how it goes from here Im not really sure. I did it because I didnt really see any choice I couldnt stay the way I was. Guess now were in this together. Ill be praying for you!!!!

as i will too

someone who cares

thank you mrsalkire,
It helps to know what to expect, even if pain is the expectation.The docs say there is "a little" more pain with the posterior approach--- only other patients who have gone thru the same experience will tell it like it is.

I hope your pain is gone soon and you get experience more improvement. You wroted,
" I did it because I didnt really see any choice I couldnt stay the way I was." Exactly how I feel.

PLEASE DO NOT DO ANYTHING
TO PUT YOU IN HARMS WAY
SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY
IT TAKE LONGER THAN WHAT THE DOCTOR
SAYS ABOUT RECOVERY
TAKE THE MEDICATION
WHEN IN PAIN

GOD BLESS

someone who cares

Thank you Eva. This is all good advice

I am so grateful for all the well wishes. It means so much knowing we are not in this alone! Most people who havent been through this dont understand.